EZvid Update - Trial Run a Success

I created my first video using EZvid program that allowed my to screen-cast my computer today.   I did a storyboard and practiced a few times first.  The program is very impressive! 

I realized that initially, only the video recorded - and that is a good thing as it simplifies the process.  After the video was created in the program, I was able to narrate it while watching it.  I noticed that I should have also been able to add text, too.  

After finishing and previewing the video, I uploaded it to my YouTube channel.  The video begins with a display of the program - but that is fine with me!  The video is shown below.

Video and iBooks Author

I continue to work on my eBook about data analysis using spreadsheet and database software every day.  Last week I finished writing two chapters with short tutorials for Excel.  After I finish the tutorials for FileMaker Pro, I will be creating supporting video for the iBooks Author eBook.  Fortunately, Frank Lowney is a member of our university's ePublishing faculty learning community.  Frank posted a blog on how to easily incorporate external video into iBooks Author at http://frank-lowney.blogspot.com/2013/02/how-to-easily-incorporate-exterbak.html with a HTML (hypertext mark-up language) widget.

He makes the point that if the video is embedded in the eBook, file size is an issue.  External video mitigates the problem; however, the user must have the ability to connect to the Internet.  Frank's blog includes a supporting video as well as screenshots with call-outs. I look forward to creating videos to support the eBook chapters.  Use of external video is certainly an option to explore.

Creating Videos - Lessons Learned

I created some short videos showing how to write formulas in Excel and how to import Excel files into FileMaker Pro.  The student feedback was not good!  One told me to SLOW down!  Others said that the audio was of poor quality.  It isn't that I did not try or that they did not appreciate my attempt!

I even had a colleague review the files prior to uploading them to YouTube.  I could hear the audio clearly.  That said, I obviously need to slow down and to attempt to make the audio loud so that others can turn it down.  Have not received feedback from one of the students who is a video pro -- OMG not looking forward to it either.